Photo courtesy Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise

Navajo Gaming Ramps Up Extreme Precautionary Measures During Closure, Prepares for Reopening

Casinos and Resort Preparing Safety Countermeasures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 1, 2020

Flagstaff, Ariz. – Navajo Gaming prepares to reopen all four of its properties by mid-June, including deep cleaning and sanitization of each property: Twin Arrows Casino Resort in Flagstaff, AZ; Fire Rock Casino in Church Rock, NM; Northern Edge Casino in Upper Fruitland, NM and Flowing Water in Hogback, NM.

During the temporary closure, all Navajo Gaming properties undertook deep biohazard cleaning and sanitization processes to significantly reduce the risk of human exposure to known contractible viruses such as COVID-19.  Over the past 50 years, these processes continue to be perfected and have proven to significantly reduce the risk of exposure to biohazardous material. Cleaning processes include: a) cold fogging with a commercial-hospital grade sanitizer and electrostatic device; b) sanitization of all areas, including high contact areas of human skin, saliva or mucus discharge (even from breathing). Additionally, Ozone gas is used as an effective method in some areas where environmental control is required, such as in IT equipment zones.

Electrostatic spraying is an application of a Bioesque fog layer from floor to ceiling in every room. Virtually every surface in every room is sanitized, disinfected and wiped down, including surfaces most likely to have been touched, sneezed on or breathed on, as well as furniture, fixtures, equipment, chairs, handles, cords, wall sockets, control switches, counter and desktops, windows, windowsills, computer desktops, laptops, screens, keyboards, calculators, shelves, books, hand rails, sinks, toilets and partitions, to name a few,

“These processes are promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a nonprofit educational society, whose goal is to train and certify cleaning professionals. Premier Property Restoration Services Incorporated has been trained and certified in cleaning methods with over a decade in experience,” stated Thane C. Caird, Owner, Premier Property Restoration Services Inc. who is partnering with Navajo Gaming on this critical process.

“Since our closure March 17, our executive team members and the Board of Directors have worked very closely with Navajo Nation Leadership, adhering to all executive orders issued by the Office of the President and Vice President,” shared Interim CEO Brian Parrish. We continue to monitor this pandemic and follow all protocols set forth by the Navajo Nation Department of Health and U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention,” Parrish added.

Photo courtesy Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise

Each property has implemented a pre-opening plan that includes, but is not limited to, the following countermeasures:

·       Issuance of personal protective equipment (PPE) to patrons and team members. Team members will be required to wear masks during the duration of scheduled shifts. Patrons will not be required to wear masks but are encouraged to do so during their visit to each property.

·       All team members will receive comprehensive training on infections, disease prevention and mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 as they return to work.

·       Physical distancing on casino floor, food and beverage locations, as well as other high traffic areas. Each property will open at 50 percent capacity and a 6 feet social distancing requirement throughout the facilities. Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, signage and placards will be in place with information on social distancing, sanitation stations, handwashing and other precautionary procedures as indicated.

·       Independent Healthcare Service Providers will conduct temperature readings with an infrared device that does not require physical contact.  Patrons and team members with temperatures of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter.  Patrons will be asked to use hand sanitizer before they enter.

·       There will be one entrance for patrons and one entrance for team members.

·       Buffets, self-service food and beverage stations will be closed until it is prudent to reopen these amenities.

·       Deep cleaning of properties will occur during the hours of 2 p.m. to 6 a.m. on a daily basis. High-touch and high traffic areas will be cleaned continuously utilizing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
“Within the next two weeks, we hope to have all our team members returning back to work in a sterile clean environment with training on the use of PPEs and COVID-19 mitigation protocols according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines,” stated Quincy Natay, Chairman, Board of Directors Navajo Gaming.

Navajo Gaming is one of many Navajo Nation-owned and operated enterprises that is charged with the mission of creating jobs, increasing revenues and stimulating incremental economic development. To learn more visit www.NavajoGaming.com<http://www.NavajoGaming.com>

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